teaching

I’ve been teaching a painting class these past couple of weeks at Flicker Street Studio.  Wow!  What a satisfying experience. The setting and tone of the space are perfect for people coming together to learn more about art:  big tables, great light and the opportunity for feedback, which can be the rarest thing of all when making art on your own.

a

This was my first time my teaching so I was a bit nervous.  After I arrived on the first day of class and got the room set up with supplies and a variety of objects from around my house for students to paint, it began to feel more like a natural extension of my studio.  From that point on I was very comfortable.

a

I realize that teaching people who are happy and eager to be in a classroom is very different than teaching in an environment where many obstacles lie between what you want to convey and what is actually absorbed.  Negotiating those obstacles is a skill set I’m not sure I even have.  What I did discover is that I love explaining how paint works.  I also enjoyed seeing how differently each student approached creative dilemmas and being the guide to help them find the solution.  I'm looking forward to more classes in September!